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February 2, 2006

Chilly Reception at Fort Greene's L'Epicerie?

epicerir
We've been hearing a lot of people complaining about the bad vibes at gourmet market L'Epicerie on Vanderbilt. Evidently, the owners aren't exactly winning customers over with their warm and fuzzy interpersonal skills. How have readers' experiences been recently?

Comments

They are indeed rude. Very rude. Although I would like to support this Ft. Greene establishment, I shall take my business elsewhere.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 10:38 AM

Granted, I haven't been in a while because I moved out of the neighborhood, but for a period of about two years I was shopped there once or twice a week. The people there never acted like they recognized me, they might (*might*) say hello but in that obligatory way, not because they appreciate a loyal customer. I miss walking down the street for some decent cheese but do no miss the attitude of this place at all.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 10:38 AM

they've always been really nice to me and my husband. sorry to hear other people haven't had the same experience. they just started selling fish (tuna and scallops yesterday)- for those who are interested.

Posted by: lc at February 2, 2006 10:39 AM

also-- I don't usually chat a lot with store owners when I'm shopping, so it probably wouldn't bother me if they never said hello- maybe people have different expectations.

Posted by: lc at February 2, 2006 10:41 AM

Never really noticed anything out of the ordinary. Sort of typical New York City service. Not exactly Southern hospitality, but nothing rude either.

GDF

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 10:42 AM

no issues. don't really buy anything other than some pate or maybe some charcuterie and baguettes...

Posted by: ltjbukem at February 2, 2006 10:47 AM

Things seemed to be a bit hit or miss there for awhile. The "fresh" turkey I ordered there for Thanksgiving had clearly been frozen; produce could be fresher. But I still drop in from time to time, and they seem to be trying harder in the friendliness dept. I'm glad to hear they're carrying fish.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 10:48 AM

Actually, they've been nice to me--memorably so on one occasion. Frankly, there's nowhere else to go for organic produce and nice packaged foods in this neighborhood, which is the real problem--is there *anything* we can do about this? I live more in the western end of the neighborhood, and I am desperate to find better foodstuffs nearby. Any would-be grocery owners out there? Anyone?

Posted by: babygreene at February 2, 2006 10:50 AM

the couple that used to run it were actually really nice and the guy (their son?) who runs it now is a bit of a loose canon and not so nice...I've heard of some run ins he had with loyal customers. we've avoided it in the last months because of it. there's a new place opening on grand and lafayette that looks like it might be good and the people opening it seem cool. i've stopped to talk to them...

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 10:50 AM

Always found the service there to be great. This is really gossip and can't vouch for the truth, but I did hear the owner just went through an acrimonious separation from Husband who co-owned L'Epicerie and a Table. As part of the split she kept L'Epicerie he turned a Table into the new med place.
So if true she may be having her share of good and bad days.
Hope people will find a better experience on their next visit, I'll continue to buy my Hanger Steak there.

Posted by: Dave at February 2, 2006 10:52 AM

Hanger steak? Hanger steak! There ain't no such freakin thing! You ask me that one more time and I'm coming over the counter at you!

Posted by: pop at February 2, 2006 11:08 AM

i think we're missing something hear people- they are FRENCH- ok there I said it- but actually I am kidding- i have a list of people and places that exude attitude for no reason. I struggle at Fabian's in williamsburg often, and a long time ago Bean in the wb, as well, just seemed to hate only me- i swear i did nothing but spend money there... it would be fun to think back of the places that i tried to make a part of my life and they didn't seem to want me- i can happily say L'Epicerie isn't one of those places for us- i think a better topic would be to mention many places and not just one- and take a pole or something- as you can see from the response posts here it seems to be mixed.

Posted by: luxeterna70 at February 2, 2006 11:32 AM

JB went through quite a bumpy road since he'd lost A Table last year. I actually miss it-- one of the "old" establishments of Fort Greene -- a lot. When A Table first opened, the neighborhood was still really rough. He and his parents, yes all Parisians, were somewhat friendly but with a touch of snobbery. When my Mom and sisters from Taiwan paid a visit in Brooklyn, we had pretty good time there. Free drinks and dessert, you know....

Posted by: binbin wang at February 2, 2006 11:47 AM

I have to disagree with all the negative comments made here. I moved into the neighborhood in November 2004 and every time I have visited this establishment the help has been very nice, warm, and cordial. I guess you get back what you put out.............that's all I have to say.

Posted by: Frank at February 2, 2006 11:52 AM

I think this place is ok (they are French after all, so they need some attitude lets give them a break)
What hood really needs is a proper bakery with real bread.

Posted by: malymis at February 2, 2006 12:20 PM

This is so deja vu -- wasn't the same discussion up here a few months ago? They're not unfriendly, just French, as pointed out above.

Posted by: babs at February 2, 2006 12:31 PM

Hmm. I've only been in there once or twice and was kind of turned off by the "No Cell Phones" sign (we're talking about basically a deli, not a library, here), sparse selection, and chilly service. Disappointing cuz I live around the corner.

Posted by: Lisa at February 2, 2006 12:49 PM

The place is so adorable, the cheeses are amazing and it makes me smile when I walk by! Please keep shopping there, the store needs to stay there! It sounds like the owners have been through a lot recently and probably business is not as great as it could be so lets help them out. It in turn helps us out by adding value and beauty to our neighborhood. What, do you want to be limited to Elly's Market on dekalb? Talk about attitude. If their teenage daughter that works there rolls her eyes at me one more time, I'll feed her to the french!

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 1:05 PM

marquette on fulton/st portland has bread. i don't know if that counts as artisanal breads, but it's better than nothing. and last i checked l'epicerie has baguettes.

i say let them be..

Posted by: ltjbukem at February 2, 2006 1:13 PM

You couldn't pay me to go there. I had high hopes, but was treated very rudely there on my first visit and never went back.

Sorry the (ex-) wife is NOT French--not friendly either, even before the divorce. Also when you open a neighborhood shop you damn well better be polite and engaging. It's just good business. Otherwise you reduce your number of potential customers--and get called out on local blogs.

My Fresh Direct delivery guy is ever so much nicer and their selection of cheeses is fabulous.

Posted by: clinton hillbilly at February 2, 2006 1:19 PM

Put off by a no cell phone sign? The store is like 10ft*10ft. You can't shop in there for ten minutes without being on the phone?

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 1:20 PM

OOOoooohhh! I, along with many neighbors, have HUGE bones to pick with the owner (JB) of this establishment and his former loser restaurant, "A Table"--nothing but sheer and consistent rudeness, and many many accounts of embarrassingly inappropriate behavior. I agree with the rash generalization of the French, but "Chez Oskar" blows all of the bad vibes out of the water. It's still a huge regular favorite and encourage all to spend money there :)

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 1:22 PM

good call, 1:20pm. put down your effin phone while you're shopping in there. no one's that self-important to NEED to be on the phone while you're in there. gimme a break..

i applaud the frenchman for laying down the rules of the house.

everytime i go to tillie's for a coffee, i have no problem going in there browsing for something.

let's not get started on FD. the deliverymen show up half an hour earlier and lie and say they were there on time.

Posted by: ltjbukem at February 2, 2006 1:32 PM

Thanks for your comments Clinton Hillbilly! They are so rude. I wused to be so friendly with the older couple that ran the store, would speak to them in French. Recently when I or other famly have gone in, a young tattooed woman who is there is so rude. And no, this is not being French, but rude. Clearly bothered when asking for help because you interupted her conversation with her friends, throws a bag at you if you ask for. I used to like going there, but now, I will not.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 1:43 PM

Can someone please send this thread to them? PLEASE???

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 1:44 PM

Mmmmm i was thinking the same, 1:44. I'd even hand-deliver it printed on Fresh-Direct letterhead, with a smile

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 2:19 PM

I had no idea that they were so rude to others, but I should have known. They were gratuitously unpleasant to me when I walked in not knowing they were closed. The door was open, but a curtain was up. When I entered they said “Can’t you see we’re closed!?” I vowed never to return and never will. As far as I am concerned they were closed permanently from that moment. It’s too bad because it’s a cute looking storefront. If they had simply said, “Please come back later.” I would have and they would have had the pleasure of selling me some overpriced cheese.

Posted by: Friend of Bin Bin at February 2, 2006 2:19 PM

While hardly "warm" the service there is fair and efficient. (As consumers, do we really need to be coddled at every turn? Have you shopped at Pathmark lately?) Besides, as someone mentioned above, the cheeses are killer, the pate's spectacular, and it IS just about the only place where you can get a decent loaf of bread in our hood. In any case, why not make an adventure out of it and try speaking a little French when you're in the store. You may just break the ice...

Posted by: lafayette_lad at February 2, 2006 2:26 PM

When the French want something from you, they're the nicest people on the planet.

When you want something from them, forget about it!

I like Provence, the French restaurant on MacDougal and Prince in Soho.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 2:27 PM

This is the same person who owned that place-can't remember the name on Lafayette Avenue and Adelphi-it went out of business THANK GOD!! They were so rude to my husband and I when we spoke to them about one of their waiters who was so condescending to my husband. We never went back. One day we went into L'Epicurie and realized that it was the same owner. I walked out and WILL NEVER shop there, any place but there.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 2:37 PM

I'm the 1:44 poster, I don;t need to be coddled at every turn Lafayette lad. I'm buying their overpriced bread & cheese & ask for a bag & get annoyance in return? And it was raining outside to boot.
Plus they have that obnoxious sign about the bread.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 2:45 PM

I agree with the poster who said that when you open a small neighborhood market, you should be nice to the neighbors! I lived in France for several years and believe me you cannot blame this on a nationality - the French tend to appreciate regular customers. Much of their culture is built around having a relationship with the people you buy things from, especially food.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 2:54 PM

I certainly meant no insult to the French in my comment -- I lived in Paris for eight years and loved it. It's just that it's not their culture to be all lovely-dovey to total strangers -- it's even seen as being overly-familiar and insulting to the customer. And I'm referring to small shops here -- the boulangeries, fromageries, poissioniers, etc., who make up the backbone of French commerce -- don't get me started on the absolute rudeness of workers in the grands magasins a la Galeries Lafayette -- that's a totally different story!

Posted by: babs at February 2, 2006 3:16 PM

I've never had a problem w/ them, and I'm really glad that they'll carry fish now. We do need a place to buy the fancy stuff now & then, after all, and I've found theirs to be good...

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 3:17 PM

No issues. Talked to me willingly and intelligently about the cheeses that they had that day. Led me to a great choice that, alas, I don't remember. Only annoyance was the horrible europop coming from the speakers.

Posted by: Charles at February 2, 2006 3:20 PM

What does anyone know about the place opening on Grand and Lafayette? Details! Details!

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 4:07 PM

I really don't care about the rudeness. The rotten produce, however, drives me nuts.
So close to one-stop shopping, yet so far. If those folks on Layayette and Grand know what they are doing, L'Epicerie might soon be going the way of A Table (which I don't miss at all).

Posted by: anon at February 2, 2006 4:41 PM

I lived in Paris for 10 years and went into the grands magasins a la Galeries Lafayette about four times a week pour le pain et le fromage. I always found the workers there to be warm and sweet. Why do you think you had such problems Babs?

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 4:44 PM

Come visit the nice French shopowners of Cobble Hill, like the guy who owns the deli on the park and the folks at The Pit Stop. Tres sympa!

Posted by: Carol Gardens at February 2, 2006 5:58 PM

by the way, those of you extolling the virtues of their cheeses...are you kidding me? go to bedford cheese in williamsburg and then tell me about their great selection. the last time i bought cheese at L'epicerie, it was moldy - and not supposed to be...
i remember the parents there and they were great if you were a repeat customer, but the owner now needs to work on developing his own relationship with customers, not coasting on the goodwill people have for his parents, if he is the son...?

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 6:57 PM

the place on grand and lafayette is set to open soonish and the owners seem very nice...would also be a great addition to that block - the red cafe on grand is a wonderful atmosphere and the owners are unbelievably nice, good sandwiches, salads. everytime i go in with my daughter, they literally light up and greet us. the health food store next door to them is a bit odd though. very empty shelves - feels front-ish, though doesn't seem to be the situation. i've heard the dry cleaner further down the block is the drop off for pay offs by the crack dealers to the 88th...

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 7:02 PM

Maybe because I wasn't buying bread and cheese there, but clothes, perfume, stockings, linens, etc., etc. -- normal department store stuff. The saleswomen (always women in my experience) spend all their time talking to each other, never offer to help you (with the exception of the designer clothes floor -- they're very nice there), and when you have the nerve to go over to one of them to ask for something, she sighs, rolls her eyes, and makes it quite plain that you're ruining her day before answering your question or trudging over to the cash register to allow you the privilege of giving her money.

I must say the worst offenders here are the saleswomen in the ladies' (non-designer) department of Le Bon Marche, which otherwise is my favourite Paris department store, because it's much less frequented by tourists.

And why would you live in Paris and buy your baguettes and cheese at Galeries Lafayette, when there's an excellent boulangerie on just about every block and even the grocery stores have good cheese (and cheap creme fraiche -- I am so tired of shelling out $4 a tub for the stuff at Whole Foods that isn't even as good as Carrefour's own brand!)?

Posted by: babs at February 2, 2006 7:25 PM

I LOVE this place--they make the best Pan Bagnat (the other sandwiches are killer too); have the best selection of produce and cheese in the neighborhood, and exude a chill, cozy vibe. I can't say I agree with the other posters..maybe I've just been lucky, but Epicerie is one of the gems of the hood, in my opinion...where else to buy delish Pate and Amy's Bread just a few blocks from home??

Posted by: Valery at February 2, 2006 7:53 PM

i agree with the last poster in PAST tense. it just isn't what it was. and the cheese could be a better selection. i agree with whoever cited bedford cheese - that place is amazing - if we could get them to open up a place here I would be in hog heaven...

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 8:02 PM

it seems pretty obvious now why they didn't like babs in paris....

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 8:14 PM

Would someone please open a real bakery in Clinton Hill?

Posted by: Megan at February 2, 2006 9:32 PM

These are nice people who run this shop. I've been in and out of there almost daily since they opened up. I think they even offer house accounts for regular customers. And when a'Table opened up it was not a rough nabe. They had a great atmosphere there and were so nice there as well. They had early morning World Cup Soccer viewing parties and lots of good times for the entire community. I think it's a lot of hard work to open a store and that the customers are the ones who are mainly grumpy all the time.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 2, 2006 9:46 PM

I have found that generally the guy working there is fine - neither nice nor rude - but the woman - whoa! Tres rude.
Fact is, though we have no other options! Looking forward to this place on laf & grand people are mentioning....

Posted by: Anonymous at February 3, 2006 6:49 AM

2:19am's translation from freetranslation:

This Bazard is gere by of stupid true one. It is impossible to explain their longevite. the products are any has to dump. they not representent in nothing the spirit francais. the opening of a veritable epicerie francaise imposes. Little etre will find we our happiness when Thierry will open his magazin on lafayette avenue. These idiots has the epicerie are done passes for which francais shame!

Posted by: ltjbukem at February 3, 2006 8:24 AM

Anon 07:02, there's another Karrot store up on myrtle (the one on grand is newer). it may not have the best range of stuff (and seems to be dwindling of late) but why ya gotta jump to the "front" conclusion? anyway, the one on Myrtle has organic produce ... sometimes.

and where do people get this "Clean Society is a drug front" thing? for a front, they sure did a good job dry cleaning my suit.

Posted by: Jimmy Legs at February 3, 2006 9:54 AM

Karrots is most certainly not a front. While sometimes lacking they do offer a lot that you cannot find elsewhwere in Clinton Hill. The owner lives in the neighborhood and opened the stores after a long career at a bank. I believe there is a third location somewhere.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 3, 2006 10:35 AM

Anon 8:14 I really don't understand your comment. First because it isn't true; I had (and still have) many good friends in Paris, from all walks of life -- mostly French, but also some other Europeans and Americans. And second beacuae the problem of saleswomen not doing the work they're paid to do is a common complaint among everyone who lives and shops in Paris, specifically in the large department stores.

The small shopkeepers, on the other hand, take care of their regular customers, because they know they have to.

Posted by: babs at February 3, 2006 10:50 AM

Dont let it bother you Babs, anyone who smears and runs (after signing it Anon.)isn't worth lossing sleep over. GL is a trip though. Enjoyed the view from the roof last time I was there. I would avoid buying anything eddible there though- for the reasons you mentioned.

Posted by: Max at February 3, 2006 12:59 PM

Thanks, Max -- love the dome too! Too bad about La Samaritaine -- their roof was great. Wonder if it really will re-open as a department store -- or are condos more likely -- with everything from LVMH brands bien sur, down to the bottles of Veuve Cliquot and Krug in the frigos!

Posted by: babs at February 3, 2006 1:12 PM

Its probably hit or miss - I've walked in and have received a very "cool" reception. Other times they have taken time to talk to me about products and were very nice about it.
Plus, from my experiences in France - I think its a Parisian thing, not a French thing!

Posted by: kp at February 3, 2006 2:28 PM

True, true kp -- Parisians are definitely "frostier" than those from other parts of France -- kind of like NYers vs. the rest of the country?

Posted by: babs at February 3, 2006 3:55 PM

Bonjour! I am ze salz ladie at ze grands magasins a la Galeries Lafayette. I must to tell you what a beetch that Babs ladie iz to me and moi amies! Tres terrble! Her taste in perfume was how do you say??? Peeeyouuuuuwwww. And her stockings... whoahhh - we don't have cow stockings in Paris. Echhhhhh.
Au revoir

Posted by: FrenchLady at February 3, 2006 4:17 PM

I've always found the staff there at least half-friendly, and often warm and helpful. Their cell phone ban is always great. If seeking universally welcoming and helpful specialty-food-store workers, check out Delicacies on the flip side of Vanderbilt. The staff there is great, and the cheese selection notably superior to that of Epicerie. However, they do not sell fresh meat. On the plus side, the friendly proprietress has even inquired what the cheese is for, whether melting a la fondue or for serving as after-dinner cheese plates. Epicerie has a superior bread selection. Also, who the hell is looking to make friends when buying merguez and drunken goat cheese?

Posted by: Anonymous at February 3, 2006 8:15 PM

In response to Jimmy Legs, I live near Clean Society, and it's been associated with the local drug scene for years. This activity may increase soon, since the bodega on the northwest corner of the same intersection will be moving out when its lease expires, and the new owners of that building plan to install a legit business. So the drug-related activity there may go across the intersection. For those unfamiliar with the drug traffic at the corner of Clifton and Grand, it's existed for many years, but the ongoing development on Grand seems to be putting a slight dent in it.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 4, 2006 11:51 AM

I had to laugh at the post from binbin wang that asserted that when a tabla opened the neighborhood was "still really rough." what a joke. I understand that people have different ideas of what "rough" is, but the idea that Ft. Greene was "rough" back then is absurd! The gentrification was practically complete. And yes, I'm bitter, because I was priced out.

Posted by: anonymous at February 4, 2006 3:08 PM

i've had no problems there. the guy behind the counter knows his products well and is very willing to answer questions. they've always been nice to my girlfriend and i. and we go there often. it would be nice to have more grocers particuliarly in bed stuy where we live.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 5, 2006 8:55 PM

I agree, not the nicest of people. If someone opened a similar shop and was actually nice to their customers, it would put them out of business.

Posted by: ftgreener at February 6, 2006 12:04 PM

the bread at l'epicerie is far better than marquette. i stop by l'epicerie twice a week or so - the cheeses are nice, the produce not so great, the bread excellent, and the pork chops outstanding.
i'm not looking for everything, but i like this place. i can't imagine that the people moaning about the produce at l'epicerie go to elly's instead.
and those that want fish, why not go to the green market?

Posted by: fredrik at February 6, 2006 10:49 PM

i was in there today. very chilly to the point of rude. just 'cus you're cute don't mean you can be obnoxious. gimmie a break, nuthin' is that good!

Posted by: dboy at May 31, 2006 11:29 PM

I adore the l'epicerie. both JB and his wife are total sweeties!!! Not sure why people are thinking otherwise. Plus its the only place to get most of what they sell without going to Garden of Eden.

Posted by: anonymous at November 22, 2006 11:59 AM

I have never had a problem with this place. I'm suprised how huffy people get about a STORE. What do you expect, Mr.Hooper? I like the food and I stop in and get produce there all the time. I'm a longtime Ft.Greene resident and remember not being able to get anything in the neighborhood. Also, gossiping about people's divorce on an public blog is pretty bad taste, right?

Posted by: Bill at July 11, 2007 6:33 PM

I went over to L'Epicerie this weekend to pick up a few items, only to find it closed. The interior had been completely rearranged to look like a cute little restaurant, with white linens and candles on the tables. The host of the party, who happened to be walking in as I was peering through the windows, told me that they rent out the space for private events on weekend nights, and serve "whatever food you want." Hmm... wonder if the owner is any warmer when you're dropping a couple hundred bucks there?

Posted by: guest at August 23, 2007 5:41 PM

I was just there yesterday for the first time. WONDERFUL pate and cheese. Really lovely. Good service. I have no complaints and will return this weekend !

Posted by: guest at November 21, 2007 11:58 AM

Jb provides a great service and as far as rudeness goes I think that most people have to get over themselves. Spending a few bucks does not entitle you to an absolute ass kissing. Good for them that they don't do it and also why do you need to talk on your phone when you are in a smalll store? Great store , great people

Posted by: guest at March 21, 2008 12:52 PM

absolute rudeness. it's sad to see these ppl reinforce the notion that the french are discourteous. how they stay in business is a baffle since 90% of the 70 comments posted so far are of complaints.

Posted by: guest at July 14, 2008 10:47 AM

Parisians are BOORISH. The poor French are getting condemned by their actions. The owner is an arrogant self-absorbed ignorant PARISIAN man. (been to France, been to Paris - there's definitely a difference!)
Do yourself a favor and boycott their business. With NY there to offer you so much more diversity, why subject yourself to such atrocious behavior when you can get better French food elsewhere. The food at L'Epicerie is not THAT good for the price you pay. Nor is it worth the "free" side of haughtiness you receive from the owners. It makes me wonder how they treat their employees if they can't even cater to customers.

Posted by: guest at July 14, 2008 11:09 AM

Does anyone know if this place is still open? The number I have been calling is disconnected and JB is supposed to do a private party for me and my family!! If you have any info of how I can get in touch with them - please let me know!

Posted by: msujenjen at September 16, 2008 9:11 AM

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February 2, 2006

Chilly Reception at Fort Greene's L'Epicerie?

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